TUG-Of-WAR COMPETITIONS Background Information

Tug-of-War

TUG-of-WAR COMPETITIONS – Background Information

This a team contest consisting of five members to each team and one coach (optional). The coach encourages the team to pull as and when required dependant on the opposing teams actions. The competition will commence with the command from the judge `Pick up the rope` followed by the command ‘take the strain’, thereupon the two teams move back until the rope is taught and the judge inserts a marker flag opposite the central marker on the rope. The judge then gives the command `Pull` whereupon the two teams then pull with all their strength. The object is to pull with nearly straight arms and legs from as low a position as possible with all members of the team in unison. The length of the pull should be 12 feet which is measured by two markers on the rope each six feet from the centre.When either mark passes the stick placed in the ground by the judge at the central point of the rope when starting competition, the other side has won that pull.

Keyworth Challenge Shield - TUG-of-WAR RULES

1.  Teams to consist of five members and one coach if required

2.  No spiked footwear. Raised heels up to a maximum of ¼ inch (7mm) allowed on footwear (to be inspected)

3.  Gloves may be worn

4.  Adults from 15 years - overall pull to be 8 metres and winner is the team to pull their opposition 4 metres from the starting mark.

5.  12 years to 14 years - overall pull to be 6 metres and winner is the team to pull their opposition 3 metres from the starting mark.

6.  9 years to 11 years - overall pull to be 4 metres and winner is the team to pull their opposition 2 metres from the starting mark.

7.  8 years and under - overall pull to be 4 metres and winner is the team to pull their opposition 2 metres from the starting mark.

8.  No hand over hand pulling allowed.Team members must go back with rope when pulling.

9.  Anchorman to loop rope around one shoulder to secure rope.No knot is permitted on the rope end.

10.  All team members to remain on theirfeet at all times, no hands are persistently allowed on the ground apart from the anchorman who is permitted to use one hand on the ground.

11.  Teams, through coaches, will be reminded of the rules prior to commencement of competition. Only coaches can consult with the judge and the judge’s decision is final.

12.  A team member is permitted to pull for only one team during a competition.

13.  Direction of pull will be decided by toss of coin.

14.  Two warnings for infringements of the rules or inappropriate behaviour, including foul language, will be given.A further warning will result in disqualification.